Congrats to all of you fiction writers getting published out there. For those of you running into walls, here’s help. In this series, pick up one-minute pointers from the Fiction Acquisitions Editor of a NC Indy press. Take what you need and leave the rest.
Before and after you submit your writing
Research
Research the press you’re submitting to—What is the publisher calling for? How long has the press been in business? What’s their reputation? (check out Editors and Predators for example.) Are they on author-help websites like Duotrope.com and/or New Pages? Are you able to understand and follow (exactly) their submission criteria? If not, you won’t get read!
Cover Letter
Write a simple and professional cover letter, producing everything the editors need. Be kind in salutation. Be kind in closing. Be succinct in context, Ex: 1st graph: Thanks for the chance to submit my (word count) (genre) to (journal name.) 2nd graph: Here are a few of my publishing credentials. 3rd graph: Please visit me at (your website and or social media addresses.)
Upon rejection should your piece be declined
Play it forward—build a bridge: email the editor thanking them for their consideration.
Keep a tight submissions record so you won’t double up or forget where you’ve sent work out.
See you next time.
Happy trails!
Eddy
